Whenever a new Android device surfaces, the first objective of the community is to gain root access, and that’s exactly what Chainfire has managed to achieve with Samsung’s forthcoming flagship, the Galaxy S5. Even though the handset itself is not scheduled to be released for two weeks, the Galaxy S5 has been successfully rooted, although at this point in time, only the International edition (SM-G900F) is supported.
Rooting an Android smartphone or tablet, similar to jailbreaking an iOS device, allows a user to get right into the depths of the operating system, making changes and alterations to the file system that simply aren’t possible at stock level. Of course, since rooting gives you a license to meddle with files critical to the smooth running of a device, there’s an element of risk if you’re careless in your approach, but as daunting as it may seem, rooting and experimenting with Android is both enjoyable and rewarding when done in the correct manner.
Showcasing its work via Google+, Chainfire’s the root solution has finally been published after being tested on what is Galaxy S5’s retail firmware, and is currently supported only on International version of the model.
If you’re lucky enough to have the Galaxy S5 International Edition on your person, then here’s how to root it. Please note, that in gaining root access, you will in turn forgo your warranty, but then, you already knew that. And we will not be held responsible if anything goes wrong during the process.
Prerequisites
- Chainfire’s CF-Auto-Root package (download here)
- Samsung Android USB drivers properly configured and installed.
- USB Debugging enabled on Galaxy S5.
- Odin3 configured and working (download here)
- Backup all your data on your device. Follow our: How to completely backup your Android device on PC without root access guide on how to do so.
- 80% battery or more for the process to go smoothly.
Step 1: Download the Chainfire’s CF-AutoRoot package from the link above.
Step 2: Extract the .zip, which should leave you with a .tar.md5 file.
Step 3: Ensuring that your device is not connected to your computer, run Odin3-v3.0.7.exe which you downloaded from the link above.
Step 4: Hit the PDA button, before selecting CF-Auto-Root-klte-kltexx-smg900f.tar (the file you extracted in Step 2).
Step 5: As ever, place your device into Download Mode. To do this, switch your device off, then hold Volume Down + Home + Power.
Step 6: Next, connect your device to your computer, and ensure that ‘repartition‘ is unchecked. Hit Start.
Step 7: Finally, Android will boot, and you’ll be rooted on Android 4.4.2 KitKat.
Update x1: You can now root Samsung Galaxy S5 all models. Simply download the appropriate Chainfire CF-Auto-Root package that we’ve linked below for the Galaxy S5. Once the file has been downloaded, simply start from Step 1 above as you normally would.
Note: You can check the model of your handset by going to Settings > About phone > Model number. And please, download the correct root package for your device, not doing so can cause permanent damage to the device.
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900H) – International Exynos (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900I) – Oceania (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900L) – Korean model (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900M) – Model for Middle East and South America (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900RT) – US Cellular (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900T) – T-Mobile United States (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900P) – Sprint (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900T1) – MetroPCS (download here)
Galaxy S5 (SM-G900W8) – Canadian model (download here)
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